MRI Imaging in an NF2 Patient with a Novel MRI Compatible Auditory Brain Stem Implant

Auditory brain stem implantation has become a key technique for the rehabilitation of hearing in patients with neurofibromatosis 2. The nature of this devastating genetic disease requires ongoing MRI imaging for the lifespan of the patient. Today, the majority of auditory brainstem implants require removal of the magnet that connects the internal device to the external speech processor to undergo imaging as their disease progresses. Patients have the option of having a short procedure to have the magnet taken out and replaced each time, or alternately using a headband to secure the processor over the receiver coil of the internal device. Novel magnet technology has led to the development of a freely rotating magnet that can be used inside the magnetic field of an MRI scanner without losing magnet strength and without being displaced from the body of the device. We report one of the first patient implanted with a MedEl synchrony ABI in the United States whose subsequently underwent successful imaging with MRI 1.5 Tesla to follow for other existing schwannomas.